75 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca FINDLAY, Lloyd Eby WWII Lloyd was born in Kelloe, Shoal Lake Municipality, Manitoba to Jacob and Margaret Findlay. He farmed with his parents prior to joining the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II. Pilot Officer Lloyd Findlay was killed in action on July 13, 1944, at the age of 21. He had been serving with 415 Squadron, Swordfish Squadron when his Wellington aircraft was lost in the North Sea. Wireless Air Gunner Findlay’s name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial and also the Shoal Lake, Manitoba Cenotaph. He was survived by his parents, brother Clifford and sisters Dorothy and Jean. FIRMAN, Roger Joseph WWII Royal Winnipeg Rifles Royal Canadian Infantry Corps 1923-1944 Corporal Roger J. Firman of Transcona, Manitoba (H40587), Royal Winnipeg Rifles, also known as “The Little Black Devils” landed at Juno Beach, France, June 6, 1944. During the night of June 7/8, 1944, the Royal Winnipeg Rifles took up positions on the North side of the Caen-Bayeux railway line in the vicinity of Putot-en-Bessin. On June 8, 1944, there was an attack on the village during which many Canadian prisoners were taken. Early that afternoon, these prisoners were evacuated and marched South to a house in Mesnil-Patry. That evening they were marched out and along a track leading toward the Caen-Fontenay le Pesnel Road. There were about 40 prisoners, all ranks, including wounded. They were turned into an open grassy field where they were made to sit down and were intentionally crowded close together. The guards and various other SS soldiers advanced toward the seated prisoners and opened fire. Thirty-five were killed, five escaped. The Germans then moved among the bodies firing weapons to ensure none had survived. On May 3, 1945, an unmarked mass grave was found where the body of Cpl. Firman was found along with thirty others. Cpl. Firman was 21 years of age and was the son of Frederick and Emilie Firman of Transcona and was survived by his wife, Vera Jean Firman of the Isle of Wight, England. In 1972, Firman Lake, NE of Lac Brochet was named after him. Cpl. Firman’s final resting place is in the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, Reviers, France. The above was taken from Exhibit 28 in the report of the 21st Army Group Court of Inquiry, Re: shooting of prisoners of war by German Armed Forces. Statement of Lt. Col. J.M. Meldram, Officer Commanding Royal Winnipeg Rifles
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